SOURCE OF ST. PETEr's RIVER. 71 



feet ; this section of the Muskingum route, though longer, 

 and crossing a higher summit tlian that up the Killbuck, 

 would probably be preferred, as being more easily supplied 

 with water. 



The third route for the canal is that which would con- 

 nect the Scioto and Sandusky rivers. These streams, passing 

 nearly in a north and south line through the centre of the 

 state, seem at first sight to be the most eligible for the canal 

 if it be practicable to execute it in this direction. Doubts had 

 been entertained concerning the quantity of water which 

 might be obtained on this summit, but as Judge Geddes 

 and Mr. Forrer had ascertained that most of the head wa- 

 ters of the Great Miami river might be brought upon the 

 summit level of this route, generally designated in Ohio as 

 the Tyamochte level, hopes were entertained that it would 

 prove practicable. This level is elevated about three hun- 

 dred and fifty -four feet above the lake, and four hundred 

 and fifty -five above the mouth of the Scioto, whence it will 

 require about eight hundred and ten feet of lockage. Upon 

 a further survey of the country, and gaging the streams, 

 the commissioners have however come to the final con- 

 clusion, that the supply of water on this route would pro- 

 bably be insufficient to overcome the losses by leakage, 

 evaporation, &c. ; and that it would leave no supply of wa- 

 ter for the expenditure in the passage of boats through the 

 locks. In their calculations they have assumed as a basis 

 the loss of water by leakage, evaporation, &c, on the New 

 York canals, which has there proved much greater than 

 had been anticipated, as it amounts to an average of one 

 hundred cubic feet per minute, for every mile of canal 

 route. This amount was reduced by proper allowances for 

 the difierence in the nature of the country through which 

 it was contemplated that the canal would pass ; but, even 



